Israel Adesanya shuts down retirement talk: 'I'm not f---ing leaving'

The former UFC middleweight champion remains defiant despite suffering his fourth consecutive loss in the main event of UFC Seattle.

Mar. 29, 2026 at 8:00am

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Despite suffering his fourth consecutive loss in the UFC Seattle main event against Joe Pyfer, former middleweight champion Israel Adesanya has no plans to retire. Adesanya said he expected Pyfer's best and that he will keep fighting, stating: 'I'm not f---ing leaving. You'll never stop me. I might get beat, but I'll always remain undefeated.'

Why it matters

Adesanya is considered one of the greatest middleweight champions in UFC history, having won and defended the title multiple times. His current losing streak has raised questions about his future, but his defiant comments show he remains committed to continuing his MMA career.

The details

Adesanya started well against Pyfer, but was gradually overwhelmed and finished via second-round TKO. It was his third consecutive fight that ended in a stoppage loss. Despite the discouraging results, Adesanya said he expected Pyfer's best and that there were no surprises, adding: 'I said before coming into this fight, it's been 13 months. I wanted to feel like I'd been in a fight. He gave me just that.'

  • The fight took place on March 25, 2026 at UFC Seattle's main event.

The players

Israel Adesanya

A former UFC middleweight champion who is considered one of the greatest in the division's history, but is currently on a four-fight losing streak.

Joe Pyfer

Adesanya's opponent at UFC Seattle, who scored a second-round TKO victory over the former champion.

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What they’re saying

“You keep going. Again and again and again and again and again. I'm not f---ing leaving. You'll never stop me. I might get beat, but I'll always remain undefeated.”

— Israel Adesanya, Former UFC Middleweight Champion

“I expected the best Joe Pyfer . I knew this was his biggest fight ever…There was nothing surprising — I expected his best, and he brought the best.”

— Israel Adesanya, Former UFC Middleweight Champion

What’s next

Adesanya's future remains uncertain, but he has made it clear he has no plans to retire despite his recent struggles. His next move will be closely watched by MMA fans and analysts.

The takeaway

Adesanya's defiant attitude in the face of a fourth straight loss shows his unwavering competitive spirit, even as questions swirl about his ability to regain the form that made him one of the UFC's top champions. His refusal to give up could inspire his fans, but also raises concerns about whether he is putting himself at risk by continuing to fight.